fox grape

noun

1. a vine, Vitis labrusca, chiefly of the northeastern U.S., from which numerous cultivated grape varieties have been developed.
2. the usually purplish-black, thick-skinned, sweet, musky fruit of this vine.

fox grape

noun

1. a common wild grape, Vitis labrusca of the northern US, having purplish-black fruit and woolly leaves: the source of many cultivated grapes, including the catawba

Word History and Origins

Origin of fox grape¹

An Americanism dating back to 1630–40

Example Sentences

Jake held the narrow dugout steady by a grip upon a fox-grape tendril.

From Project Gutenberg

Rotundifolia, or the southern Fox grape, seems to have attracted the attention of travelers in America from an early period.

From Project Gutenberg

This seedling was supposed by those familiar with the surroundings at the time to be a cross of Isabella and the wild fox grape.

From Project Gutenberg

Described by Adlum in 1828 as an uncommonly large fox grape of a deep purple color.

From Project Gutenberg

Mentioned by Downing in 1845 as a fox grape with a strong scent, harsh flavor and of no value for dessert.

From Project Gutenberg